Cost considerations in the management of cancer in the older patient.

摘要: Patients aged 65 years and older represent 12% of the US population yet account for approximately 56% cancer cases 69% all mortalities. The overall cost in 2005 was $209.9 billion--$74 billion direct medical costs $118.4 indirect mortality costs. This paper considers direct, indirect, out-of-pocket expenditures incurred by patients > or = 50 age. Several major empirical studies on supportive care cancer-related were reviewed. Insurance coverage, hematologic malignancies, squamous cell carcinoma head neck, cancers breast, prostate, colorectum, lung evaluated. Major sources covered third-party insurers include extended length hospital stay, home health assistance following discharge, adjuvant prescription medications, lower-risk treatment (for prostate cancer), advent new pharmaceuticals colorectal cancer). mean total breast is $35,164, cumulative $42,570. Emerging targeted drug range from $20,000 to $50,000 annually per patient. Additional clinical trials cost-effective treatments are needed ameliorate disproportionate economic burden among individuals with cancer. research about may also lead reforms reimbursement, therefore provide access affordable patients.